Picasa Web Albums - Craig Bowman

Search Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »

New Features | Help | Sign in

Explore

Craig Bowman's Gallery

Spring at Home in the Nation's Capital

It's been wonderful being at home to see my garden come back to life. I think we're ready for a barbecue!

Apr 16, 2013

Photos: 58

Cherry Blossoms 2013

I almost never make it down to see the blossoms at their peak. I'm excited to have made it this year!

Apr 11, 2013

Photos: 53

Supreme Court Marriage Equality Rally: March 2013

Today is an historic day in the struggle for LGBT equality. The Supreme Court began two days of oral arguments focused on the rights of gay and lesbian Americans to get married. I was proud to stand with so many friends and colleagues on the steps of the court house this morning.

Mar 26, 2013

Photos: 127

Inauguration 2013: President Barack Obama

Honored and humbled to have been at the U.S. Capitol on this amazing day.

Jan 21, 2013

Photos: 99

SALDEF SikhLEAD LDP2: October 2012

SALDEF's Leadership Development Program took place October 5-8 here in Washington, DC. The goal was to create an atmosphere in which participants could explore their unique leadership potential and set goals for their future. Through a team of trainers, speakers, and supportive mentors, the program seeks to maximize personal potential while making positive, community-based social change possible. Simultaneously, participants form a cooperative network of young leaders and forge meaningful bonds. The program provoke passions, imparts real skills, and establishes a network of emerging Sikh American leaders. Participants: · Develop a clear understanding of their unique leadership profile · Create a personal mission statement · Develop new skills in public speaking, goal-setting, and peer education · Increase awareness of personal culture and identity.

Oct 7, 2012

Photos: 124

ITDP: Pondicherry, India, August 2012

Common Ground had the chance to work with the team of ITDP, India in Pondicherry this summer. Our role focused on improving the internal management structures and facilitating a staff retreat.

Aug 12, 2012

Photos: 99

Global Fund Retreat: Cape Town, South Africa, March 2012

I wa asked once again to facilitate the annual retreat of the Developing Countries NGO Delegation of the Global Fund. This year, the retreat took place in one of the most beautiful and historic places on Earth—Cape Town, South Africa.

Apr 1, 2012

Photos: 190

Building Tomorrow: Gayaza, Uganda, November 2011

Noah and I had the great pleasure of visiting the school in Gayaza today, having the chance to meet the school's Building Committee and many of the amazing members of the construction team. Check out the awesome pics and read a little bit on the background of the school below. On Monday, January 11, amidst an eager crowd of community members and volunteers, BT staff and local leaders, Building Tomorrow broke ground on its eighth academy: the Building Tomorrow Academy of Bubeezi, supported by the Engage Network. The Academy, located in Nyomero, Uganda, is approximately one hour from downtown Kampala. Community members in and around Nyomero have been hoping for a new school for quite some time due to the distances currently traveled by students wishing to attend class—many walking at least five kilometers to the nearest primary school. In addition to Nyomero, the future Academy will serve the villages of Jjanya, Ziwugwe, Lwanga, Kalagala and Mpigi town.

Nov 11, 2011

Photos: 86

Building Tomorrow: Uganda, November 2011

At Common Ground we're proud to be working with Building Tomorrow (BT), an international social-profit organization encouraging philanthropy among young people by raising awareness and funds to build and support educational infrastructure projects for underserved children throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Most of these photos are from one of their first schools in Lutisi, Uganda. BT’s partnership with the community in Lutisi was unprecedented. It marked the first time that parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends made the commitment to volunteer their time to construct the Academy—approximately 25,000 hours in total. Lutisi was BT’s first U-shaped, ten-room academy. The BT Academy of Lutisi is also BT’s first academy completely supported by high school students. Please click here for more information: http://www.buildingtomorrow.org/zeta/academies/lutisi/

Nov 10, 2011

Photos: 49

SALDEF SikhLEAD: October 2011

SALDEF's Leadership Development Program took place October 7 -10 here in Washington, DC. The goal was to create an atmosphere in which participants could explore their unique leadership potential and set goals for their future. Through a team of trainers, speakers, and supportive mentors, the program seeks to maximize personal potential while making positive, community-based social change possible. Simultaneously, participants form a cooperative network of young leaders and forge meaningful bonds. The program provoke passions, imparts real skills, and establishes a network of emerging Sikh American leaders. Participants: · Develop a clear understanding of their unique leadership profile · Create a personal mission statement · Develop new skills in public speaking, goal-setting, and peer education · Increase awareness of personal culture and identity.

Oct 7, 2011

Photos: 58

Profile Photos

Album for profile photos

Jul 21, 2011

Photos: 2

Global Fund PF: Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 2011

It was a great week in Brazil working with an outstanding team of consultants to facilitate the 4th Partnership Forum of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB & Malaria. I am honored to have been asked to serve on the team.

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 33

ITDP: Bogotá, Colombia, June 2011

On the road with John Palinski, outlining the recommendations from our six-month management consulting engagement with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). Each year, ITDP brings most of its staff from around the world together for a retreat and training. This was a special year and we are grateful for the opportunity to play an important role. In terms of the project, the primary goal has been to help ITDP develop clear, easy to use, and streamlined management structures and systems to build staff capacity and enhance performance towards the organization’s common goals. Our recommendations leverage the strengths of ITDP’s organizational structure while building institutional coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Jun 22, 2011

Photos: 76

ITDP: Rio, Brazil, April 2011

On the road with John Palinski, conducting the last of the field visits in the offices of our new client, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). The opportunities for amazing work by ITDP in advance of the 2014 World Cup (!) and the 2016 Olympics are limitless. I can't wait to see what these folks do. In terms of this six-month project, the primary goal is to help ITDP develop clear, easy to use, and streamlined management structures and systems to build staff capacity and enhance performance towards the organization’s common goals. These systems will leverage the strengths of ITDP’s devolved organizational structure while building institutional coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Apr 1, 2011

Photos: 113

ITDP: Mexico City, Mexico, March 2011

On the road again already, conducting more field visits in the offices of our new client, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. I arrived in the city early today and decided to go exploring. A friend recommended a great place for tacos (El Huequito) and then I just went walking in the Centro Histórico. I have no idea what all was going on, but I got the sense that this is a pretty typical Sunday in Distrito Federal. It was awesome. In terms of this six-month project, the primary goal is to help ITDP develop clear, easy to use, and streamlined management structures and systems to build staff capacity and enhance performance towards the organization’s common goals. These systems will leverage the strengths of ITDP’s devolved organizational structure while building institutional coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Mar 20, 2011

Photos: 91

Global Fund: Kathmandu, Nepal, March 2011

For the past month, I've been traveling and working in several Asian countries—Indonesia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and India. These pictures are from the final stop on this amazing trip—Kathmandu and Nagarkat, Nepal. I'm here to facilitate the annual retreat of the Developing Countries NGO Delegation to the Global Fund Board of Directors.

In contracting with Common Ground Consulting LLC this year, the Developing Country NGO Delegation to the Global Fund remains interested in high-quality facilitation and strategic support as the Delegation continues to evolve as a major force in policy debates within the Global Fund.

Mar 11, 2011

Photos: 97

ITDP: Ahmedabad, India, March 2011

These photos are from the fourth country in a five-country tour of Asia—three of which (Indonesia, China, and India) are to conduct field visits in the offices of our new client, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. Today, most of the India staff and I toured Ahmedabad's historic Walled City, founded in 1411. We entered the walled city through a huge gate, which allows a glimpse into the affluence of the ancient buildings. Ahmedabad houses people from a variety of religions-Muslims, Hindus and Jains and the the walled city reflects all of the incredible diversity of the region. In terms of this six-month project, the primary goal is to help ITDP develop clear, easy to use, and streamlined management structures and systems to build staff capacity and enhance performance towards the organization’s common goals. These systems will leverage the strengths of ITDP’s devolved organizational structure while building institutional coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Mar 7, 2011

Photos: 119

Vacation: Hong Kong, March 2011

After finishing our work in Guangzhou, Noah and I were able to squeeze in one day seeing the sights in Kong Kong. The dim sum was the best I've ever eaten.

Mar 3, 2011

Photos: 26

ITDP: Guangzhou, China, March 2011

These photos are from the third country in a five-country tour of Asia—three of which (Indonesia, China, and India) are to conduct field visits in the offices of our new client, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. During this six-month project, the primary goal is to help ITDP develop clear, easy to use, and streamlined management structures and systems to build staff capacity and enhance performance towards the organization’s common goals. These systems will leverage the strengths of ITDP’s devolved organizational structure while building institutional coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Mar 3, 2011

Photos: 56

Vacation: Bangkok, Thailand, February 2011

During my great Asian Adventure, I managed to squeeze in one country just for fun—Thailand. I was only able to spend a few nights in Bangkok, but it was amazing!

Feb 27, 2011

Photos: 56

ITDP: Jakarta, February 2011

These photos are from the first country in a five-country tour of Asia—three of which (Indonesia, China, and India) are to conduct field visits in the offices of our new client, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. During this six-month project, the primary goal is to help ITDP develop clear, easy to use, and streamlined management structures and systems to build staff capacity and enhance performance towards the organization’s common goals. These systems will leverage the strengths of ITDP’s devolved organizational structure while building institutional coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Feb 23, 2011

Photos: 40

White House West Wing Tour: January 2011

Thanks to some awesome friends, we had the chance to take a late night tour of the West Wing of the White House last week. Though you can't take pictures inside, we saw the Roosevelt Room and the Cabinet Room, the unbelievable Oval Office, and the Rose Garden. I was last in this part of the White House when I went jogging with President Clinton in 1993. Much has changed, of course, but the history and the powerful sense of awe that you experience is breath-taking.

Jan 5, 2011

Photos: 14

Global Fund Demonstration: Sofia 2010

Dear Minister Tedros and Professor Kazatchkine, As representatives of civil society organizations from across Eastern Europe—the region with the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world—more than 600 of us have gathered here in Sofia today to offer you our thanks for all of the life-saving interventions made possible in our countries by the Global Fund. We have also come to ask for your help in continuing to support the important work that you have begun here. As members of CSOs, we recognize that in the absence of assistance from the Global Fund, many of our countries will be unable to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, and the epidemics in our countries will become more concentrated and more devastating.

Dec 13, 2010

Photos: 47

Global Fund Retreat, Minsk Belarus (November 2010)

Facilitation of the annual working retreat of the Developing Countries Delegation of the Global Fund Board.

Nov 12, 2010

Photos: 112

On Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa 2010

If you've been reading along, you'll see that this has been a trip filled with unbelievable moments. It's impossible to say what I loved the most. But when you see these pictures, you'll understand why the four-day safari that Sean and I did together definitely makes the cut. From the twice-daily game drives to our luxury tent accommodations, the food, cocktail hour in the bush, the really cool open safari vehicles, and, of course, the animals! During our drives we saw "The Big Five"—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo as well as other species such as kudu, warthogs, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, mongoose, several types of antelope, owls, eagles, and monkeys just to name a few. We got charged by an elephant, saw two prides of lions including one pride that had just killed a huge buffalo, and even saw the International Space Station cruising by in the sky on one of the awesome night-time drives.

Jun 30, 2010

Photos: 131

South African World Cup Matches 2010

So the primary motivation for our big vacation was the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. We started planning last year, bidding for tickets, looking for flights, etc. There were eight of us in the core group and the excitement has been building for months. I didn't grow up in a generation that really knew soccer, but I have traveled internationally quite a bit, and have come to understand soccer as the world's game. Nevertheless, I had no idea just how powerfully the experience of being in a World Cup stadium for the finals would affect me. Being at the first U.S.-England match in Rustenberg was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. These pictures are some of my favorites from all of the matches and include some of the action on the field (look for the controversial 3rd goal from the Slovenia match), as well as some that capture the passion and energy of the crowd (I loved the vuvuzelas by the way—http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vuvuzela).

Jun 18, 2010

Photos: 152

Diving with Great White Sharks, Gansbaai, South Africa 2010

What can I say about this? It was something that Sean really wanted to do and it didn't take much to push my risk-taking button. In all honesty, before we got there I was more stressed out about wearing the requisite wet suit than the sharks. Now, once I saw those 20 foot sharks swimming around our little boat—and our even smaller cage—the wet suit became the least of my worries. With our adrenaline pumping, Sean and I were among the first to jump into that cage you see in the pictures. The water was freezing but our fear kept us warm. Our tour operator (http://www.sharkcagediving.net/index.html) is Lonely Planet's top choice and we can see why. They were completely professional and a whole lot of fun. They picked us up in Cape Town, drove us a couple of hours to Gansbaai, provided a safety briefing, and then got us onto the boat and into the water.

Jun 17, 2010

Photos: 16

Wine Country, South Africa 2010

My friend and colleague Ria Grant (from the Developing Countries Delegation of the Global Fund Board) lives just outside of Cape Town and when I told her about our trip, she really wanted to host all of us in some way. When she wrote to suggest that she and her husband Richard wanted to take all ten of us wine tasting, well it was a unanimous yes! We spent a full day visiting three great wineries and then had an absolutely wonderful lunch at the the Groote Post Vineyard (http://in.wine.co.za/Directory/Winery.aspx?CLIENTID=3069) where we were joined by her kids and grandkids.

Jun 16, 2010

Photos: 39

Cape Town, South Africa 2010

After this trip, it is clear that Cape Town is now among my all-time favorite cities in the world. It was absolutely beautiful, with history, culture, great food and wine, sports ... it goes on and on. We stayed in a beautiful beach-front condo and despite the cold rain (it is winter in South Africa), everyday was an adventure. If you know me at all, you know that I love food, especially chef tasting menus. A few months ago, S. Pellegrino's annual "World's 50 Best Restaurants" list was released (http://www.theworlds50best.com/) and the first thing I did was to see if there were any winners in South Africa. Fortunately for us, there was! La Colombe came in 12th place! Though some of our friends took the famous cable car ride up Table Mountain, saw the jackass penguins at Simon's Town and toured Cape Point, Sean and I missed these adventures when we went shark diving (more on that later); but this just means I'll have to go back! And soon.

Jun 13, 2010

Photos: 25

Windhoek, Namibia 2010

Windhoek (pronounced /ˈvɪnt.hʊk/, sometimes in German: Windhuk) is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Namibia. It is located in central Namibia in the Khomas Highland plateau area around 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) above sea level. In Windhoek, we had the chance to spend a lot of time with Sam, one of John's closest friends from his study abroad days. Sam and his wife picked us up at the airport, hosted us for drinks, and invited us for a braai (Afrikaans for "barbecue" or "roast" and is a social custom in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Zambia. It originated with the Afrikaner people, but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds). The braai included Sam's co-workers and was in celebration of the opening World Cup match between Bafana Bafana (South Africa's futbol team: http://www.safa.net/) and Mexico.

Jun 11, 2010

Photos: 18

Etosha National Park, Namibia 2010

Another highlight of our time in Namibia were the days we spent one a self-guided safari in Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. It is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the National Park. The pan was originally a lake fed by the Kunene River. John secured an amazing place for us to stay in the Okaukuejo Rest Camp (http://www.namibian.org/travel/lodging/okaukuejo.html). The main attraction of this camp is that it overlooks a permanent waterhole, which is floodlit at night. Here a wide diversity of wildlife congregates and interacts. The spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to quench their thirst.

Jun 10, 2010

Photos: 59

En Route to Namibia 2010

For more than a year, a group of us have been planning an extended vacation to attend the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. As the trip came together, more than a dozen of us committed to various parts of the plan. Four of us chose to begin the adventure with a trip to Namibia at the suggestion of John Palinski who did a study abroad trip there ten years ago. His sister and her husband, John and myself spent a week touring the country, meeting John's host family, hiking, doing a self-guided safari, and getting ready for some soccer.

Jun 8, 2010

Photos: 20

The Reunion in Okakarara, Namibia 2010

For me, one of the highlights of the whole trip was a chance to be a part of the reunion between John and his Namibian family. One of his hopes in planning the trip was to be able to find the family that hosted him during the rural home stay portion of his study abroad. It was a long-shot that we'd find them, but after asking a lot of people and showing a lot of old photos, we found one woman who knew the family and offered to take us to their homestead. When we got there, the emotion was overwhelming. John was as happy as I'd ever seen him and to be able to share in that moment meant a lot to his sister Kat, her husband Ned, and me. The matriarch of the family clearly remembered John and we got to see the small room where John lived and to meet many of the members of his family and their children.

Jun 8, 2010

Photos: 29

Waterberg Plateau Park, Namibia 2010

We spent a great night at Waterberg, an amazing national park in central Namibia and the site of one of the major turning points in Namibia's History. We stayed in a beautiful chalet and had a couple of chances to go hiking including an early morning trek to the top of the Plateau. We also had a terrific barbecue one evening with a chance to sample some great game meat including oryx. It was at Waterberg, in the foothills, that the Herero people lost their last and greatest battle against German Colonial forces at the beginning of the 20th century. The Herero were forced to retreat from the Waterberg and headed eastward to British Bechuanaland (now Botswana). Thousands were killed by the pursuing Germans and many lost their lives in the Kalahari Desert due to lack of food and water. Estimates are that nearly two thirds of the Herero population lost their lives during this period.

Jun 8, 2010

Photos: 28

Cochabamba, Bolivia: FDTA-Valles & Chemonics (January 2010)

I'm here in Bolivia working once again for Chemonics International on a critical sustainability project. This follow-up engagement has us assisting FDTA-Valles in strengthening and implementing a successful fund development strategy that can guarantee long term sustainability for the Foundation and its programs. When we were here in October last year, we conducted a wide-ranging assessment of the organization and recommended a clear plan for moving forward. I'm back now helping to coach the staff as they begin to implement the recommendations. The MAPA 2 project seeks to raise incomes for rural Bolivians by increasing entrepreneurs' access to agricultural technology and marketing services. The project aims to strengthen producer associations to create sustainable commodity chains using technical assistance and grants, working closely with the Agricultural Technological Development Foundation (FDTA-Valles) and with commodity chains in the valleys and altiplano regions.

Jan 10, 2010

Photos: 38

Addis Adaba: The Global Fund 20th Board Meeting

For the past three years, I've been working closely with the Developing Countries NGO Delegation of the Global Fund Board. I'm excited by our role in helping the Developing Countries Delegation strengthen its voice in setting policy and representing their millions of Global South constituents. We've already played an important role in helping them to set their priorities, influence policy, propose amendments to Board decision points, and support them in making difficult decisions in a "resource-constrained environment." With their hard work, we've seen a dramatic shift in their perceptions of themselves and their power within the massive Global Fund architecture.

Nov 8, 2009

Photos: 37

Buenos Aires, Argentina & The Global Fund (October 2009)

On this trip, we're working in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. I'll be facilitating the annual strategic planning retreat and new member orientation for the Developing Countries NGO Delegation of the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. I've been working with this very important group for several years now, and I'm excited that the Delegation is adding ten outstanding new members. Don't worry, while I'm here I plan to be eating all the time! I've actually made a point of not eating meat all week, just so I can really take advantage of the Argentinian beef!

Oct 27, 2009

Photos: 44

FDTA-Valles & Chemonics MAPA 2: Cochabamba, Bolivia (October 2009)

We're here in Bolivia working for Chemonics International on a critical sustainability project. This particular engagement requires us to assist FDTA-Valles to strengthen and implement a successful fund raising strategy that can guarantee long term sustainability of the Foundation and its programs. The MAPA 2 project seeks to raise incomes for rural Bolivians by increasing entrepreneurs' access to agricultural technology and marketing services. The project aims to strengthen producer associations to create sustainable commodity chains using technical assistance and grants, working closely with the Agricultural Technological Development Foundation (FDTA-Valles) and with commodity chains in the valleys and altiplano regions.

Oct 15, 2009

Photos: 83

Creative Associates' ASGP: Kabul, Afghanistan (September 2009)

In July 2009, the Ambassador of the U.S. in Afghanistan announced a grant program for Afghan orgs that help women secure opportunities and advocate for themselves. The Ambassador’s Small Grants Program to Support Gender Equality will work with the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Afghan Civil Society Organizations. Flexible, rapid response grants will address Afghan women’s needs in education, health, skills training, counseling on family issues, and public advocacy. The Program is financed by USAID. Creative Associates was selected to administer the program and will carry out activities from regional offices in Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat. While I'm here this first time—just in Kabul—my job is to conduct a team building and strategic planning retreat for the new in-country staff. In time, we'll likely be back in Afghanistan to help build the skills of local organizational development consultants who can provide primary support to the grant-supported NGOs.

Sep 24, 2009

Photos: 86

Kosovo Summer Youth Leadership Academy (August 2009)

Aug 29, 2009

Photos: 264

Kosovo Summer Youth Leadership Academy (August 2009)

The Kosovo Summer Youth Leadership Academy is a unique residential program for high-school-age youth. Its goal is to prepare young people to be effective leaders and agents of change, dedicated to improving the lives of their peers in Kosovo. The Academy is a program of the Institute for Sustainable Communities and Common Ground Consulting and funded by the U.S. Government. The Academy will unleash the power of a core group of young people whose creative and leadership potential has been, until now, untapped by their communities. Youth will participate in experiential learning activities and dialogue sessions designed to increase their understanding of human relations issues and of their own responsibility to create a community based on inclusion, trust, and mutual respect.

Aug 24, 2009

Photos: 532

Safe & Drug-Free Schools: Salmon, Idaho (June 2009)

While in Salmon, I'm leading a workshop for new mentors who are participating with the area's local Safe & Drug-Free Schools program. In order to get here, I flew DC-Phoenix-Boise and then connected to a Salmon Air single-engine Cessna. I made two stops with pilot Dan—first in Stanley, ID where we landed on a grass and dirt runway and then on to Salmon. The flights were amazing, the views spectacular, and despite a few scary moments, I can't wait to do it again!

Jun 22, 2009

Photos: 63

Institute for Sustainable Communities and USAID: Kosovo Consulting Academy (April 2009)

Apr 7, 2009

Photos: 55

Springtime in Kosovo (April 2009)

I spent the day with Armend, the deputy chief of party with ISC, as well as with Brigitta and Eva, the local staff from the other CSSP (see this blog post). We had a wonderful day touring around the city on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We drank beer and boza, ate suxhuk, visited museums and just enjoyed a gorgeous spring afternoon. Located in downtown Pristina, Kosovo, the Albanian Ethnological Museum (aka the Emin Gjiku complex) is housed in an Ottoman era house complex and displays a collection of traditional Albanian clothing and artifacts. It is a part of the Kosovo Musuem system and opened to the public in late 2006. You won't find much about it in guidebooks or online, but it was a fascinating tour just for us and guided by our new friend Bekim. He was a charming, funny guide who went out of his way to inspire us with his knowledge of the home's history.

Apr 3, 2009

Photos: 47

Institute for Sustainable Communities and USAID: Macedonia (March 2009)

In March of 2009, Craig and Common Ground are back in Macedonia providing organizational development support on behalf of the Institute of Sustainable Communities to their many NGO (social profit) grantees. These are photos of a few of our many friends and colleagues.

Mar 27, 2009

Photos: 88

White House Reception on DAY ONE! (January 2009)

My colleague and friend, John Palinski, and I, were fortunate enough to be able to attend a reception at the White House on the first day of the new Obama Administration. It included a reception with First Lady Michelle Obama who I was lucky to work with at Public Allies many years ago. She was Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago and I was the National Director of Education and Training. John served as a Public Ally in Chicago a few years later. It was wonderful seeing her in this amazing new role. We talked, we hugged, and I got all teary-eyed. She's an amazing, powerful, dynamic First Lady. I'm still in awe.

Jan 21, 2009

Photos: 68

Public Allies Reunion: Inauguration (January 2009)

Common Ground's President, Craig Bowman, served President Clinton as a part of the very small design team that developed the 1993 Summer of Service, the official beginning of AmeriCorps. He was "loaned" to the White House while serving as the Director of Education, Training, and Personnel for Public Allies. As the youngest member of the design team, he felt a tremendous responsibility to honor the ideals and the values that represented the spirit and power of national and community service. He was there as a part of the group of young people who coined the name AmeriCorps; he served as the Chair of Young People for National Service; and he was there in the Rose Garden when bipartisan support made AmeriCorps a part of the fabric of our national identity. These photos are from a reunion event sponsored and organized by Common Ground in celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama and our old friend, and former Public Allies Chicago Director, First Lady Michelle Obama!

Jan 19, 2009

Photos: 19

Belgrade, Serbia (2007-2008)

Throughout 2007-2008, Common Ground continued its work throughout Serbia, conducting organizational assessments with more than a dozen non-governmental organizations. We worked with Youth of JAZAS and the US-based Institute for Sustainable Communities; and have not traveled to this Balkan nation more than 15 times. We'll be back in Serbia (and Kosovo) on several new projects in 2009.

Dec 27, 2008

Photos: 46

Institute for Sustainable Communities & USAID: Macedonia (2005-2008)

Over the past four years, Common Ground has spent more than five months in Macedonia working with dozens of organizations through USAID and the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC). We've conducted organizational assessments, assisted with strategic planning for local NGOs and CBOs, lead several training of trainers workshops including several focused on fundraising. We piloted the first ever consulting for consultants institute and provided the key support to launch the country's first ever youth mentoring programs working closely with World Learning and the Open Society Institute. We'll be back their several times in 2009.

Nov 28, 2008

Photos: 166

Global Fund Planning Session: Paris (2008)

Common Ground is continuing its long-term relationship with the Developing Countries Delegation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, & Malaria (GFATM). With this engagement, our role was to help prepare the delegation for the GFATM Board Meeting ion Delhi, India; and to begin our year-long role as the Delegation's Public Policy Advisor throughout 2009.

Oct 13, 2008

Photos: 40

CHOICE Annual General Meeting: The Netherlands (2008)

Over the years, Common Ground has worked with CHOICE many times all over the Netherlands. Our Fall 2008 engagement included the facilitation of their Annual General Meeting. The mission of CHOICE is to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people and their meaningful participation in the field. CHOICE was established by the World Population Foundation in 1997 as the Dutch Council on Youth and Population.

Sep 27, 2008

Photos: 39

Project Groundswell: Nehemiah & NABMB Rally, Washington, DC (2008)

In 2008, Common Ground was engaged by the Nehemiah Corporation of America to develop the Groundswell Campaign—a national public policy effort to restore downpayment assistance programs to millions of Americans. You can read more about our work by clicking the "connect' tab on our homepage. These photos were from a rally co-hosted by Nehemiah and the National Association of Black Mortgage Brokers just steps away from the Capitol in Washington, DC.

Sep 10, 2008

Photos: 19

Global Fund Retreat: Sao Paulo (2007)

The Developing Countries Delegation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, & Malaria (GFATM) engaged Common Ground to facilitate a critical leadership retreat in Brazil at a time when their future was in question. Based on the knowledge and experience of NGOs/CBOs and their constituencies, this delegation aims to contribute to and influence Global Fund policies and practices to be continually and appropriately responsive to the needs of those affected by AIDS, TB and Malaria and NGOs/CBOs themselves; one of the defining features of this is the unique ability to bring the perspectives of both recipient countries and implementers to the GFATM processes and policies. Since that retreat, Common Ground continues to be engaged on a variety of projects from public policy to web development.

Aug 31, 2007

Photos: 38

Shake-A-Leg Miami: Strategic Fundraising Planning (2007)

As one of the Department of Education’s funded mentoring programs, Shake-A-Leg is one of the most amazing organizations with whom we’ve ever worked. In just a few minutes of being on-site, we could tell there was something special happening here. Common Ground's role with this engagement was to assist SALM in developing a long-term sustainability strategy. They’ve grown exponentially in the past few years and their systems and strategies need updating. In particular, they have tremendous opportunities when it comes to individual donor-based fundraising, something that we believe in very much.

Aug 17, 2007

Photos: 13

European AIDS Treatment Group: Brugge, Belgium (2007)

Common Ground provided a comprehensive Training for Trainers for a select group of the leadership of the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG). This talented group is responsible for conducting workshops related to HIV and AIDS treatment for organizations and individuals throughout Europe. Founded in 1991 as a co-operative structure of people from different nationalities, the European AIDS Treatment Group is a growing group of treatment activists from 31 European countries. To secure its impartiality, the EATG receives funding from a variety of private and public funders. One of their guiding principles is to reflect the diversity of people living with HIV and their advocates.

Jun 30, 2007

Photos: 26

London, England (2007)

At Common Ground we spend quite a bit of time working in Europe. On a trip that included several cities, we had a chance to catch up with some old friends in London.

Feb 20, 2007

Photos: 14

YouACT & CHOICE: The Netherlands (2006)

Feb 17, 2007

Photos: 42

YouACT: Sofia, Bulgaria (2006)

At the Annual General Meeting of YouAct in Sofia, Bulgaria, young people from across Europe came together to restructure their powerful coalition to meet the growing needs of youth and their sexual and reproductive health and rights. We facilitated their meeting. YouAct has become a major force when it comes to advocating for comprehensive sexuality education for young people and ensuring that young people themselves have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect their lives. The mission of YouAct is to empower young people in their sexual and reproductive health and rights by joining forces in Europe to make their voices heard. YouAct believes that young people have the right to: knowledge, freedom, YouAct, healthcare, equality, safety, privacy, and participation.

Oct 20, 2006

Photos: 47

CHOICE Annual General Meeting: The Netherlands (2006)

Over the years, Common Ground has worked with CHOICE many times all over the Netherlands. Our Spring 2006 engagement included the facilitation of their Annual General Meeting. The mission of CHOICE is to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people and their meaningful participation in the field. CHOICE was established by the World Population Foundation in 1997 as the Dutch Council on Youth and Population.

Oct 8, 2006

Photos: 44

Zagreb, Croatia (2006)

At Common Ground we spend quite a bit of time working in Europe. On a trip that included several cities, we had a chance to make a quick stopover in the beautiful city of Zagreb.

Sep 15, 2006

Photos: 84

International Summer School to Stop AIDS: Kopaonik, Serbia (2006)

Aug 8, 2006

Photos: 123

Brussels, Belgium (2005)

In 2005, Common Ground was asked by YouAct, the European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive Rights, to help them prepare a major presentation to the Council of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. We facilitated their process and provided a variety of workshops including sessions on youth voice, public speaking, and project management.

Oct 17, 2005

Photos: 76

International Summer School to Stop AIDS: Kopaonik, Serbia (2004-2005)

In August 2004, the U.S. State Department awarded Common Ground's President Craig Bowman an educational grant to provide training on a variety of issues ranging from volunteer management to advocacy and leadership development for students from 25 European countries. The 10-day training took place on Mt. Kopaonik in the heart of Serbia & Montenegro; and focused on the use of peer ed strategies in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission among young people. As a result of the success of this first visit, he was asked again in 2005, 2006, and 2007 by the Department's Bureau of International Information Programs to travel to Serbia as a consultant in residence at the ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL: STOP AIDS. The school is sponsored by Youth of Yugoslav's Associations Against AIDS (JAZAS). He also held consultations with JAZAS staff in their headquarters in Belgrade; and provided lectures to JAZAS branch office staff at American Corners in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Kragujevac.

Aug 12, 2005

Photos: 152

Craig Bowman
photos

Linked Galleries View All

Jordan Gantz
photos